Automotive Technician

This program provides a seamless pathway for students to obtain an Automotive Technician certificate with an optional Associate in Applied Science degree while receiving 100% paid tuition and employment at both UPS and a local automotive dealership.

Program Overview

 

This program provides a seamless pathway for students to obtain an Automotive Technician certificate with an optional Associate in Applied Science degree while receiving 100% paid tuition and employment at both UPS and a local automotive dealership. Students participating in this program will:

  • Work at UPS and attend JCTC automotive courses.
  • Receive hands on training and additional income working at a partner dealership
  • Work JCTC Faculty and MC staff to schedule an automotive work experience during your time in the program. 

After graduation, students have the opportunity to work for the dealership full-time as an Automotive Technician with an earning potential of $40,000-$100,000. Students will also have the opportunity to continue their education to increase certification levels while working full-time as an automotive technician. To learn more about the career of an automotive technician, watch this video.

(NOTE: Students may complete on-line coursework throughout the week to obtain the Associate in Applied Science degree.)
 

This program is for current or new MC students who are interested in starting the Automotive Technician program. If you are a current MC student enrolled in the Automotive Technician program, or a recent MC graduate, and you are interested in connecting with our partner employers, please contact George Scott, MC Student Success Counselor.

 

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Explore current state wage data for Automotive Technicians using this ONET wage link. See what you can expect to earn in the field and plan your future with confidence!

Course Offerings and Schedules

 

This is a two and half year program at Jefferson Community and Technical College and includes fall and spring enrollment. (Option to complete summer courses if pursuing associates degree). Students who are currently enrolled and have already completed some coursework in the JCTC Automotive Technician program are still eligible to participate in this program.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN DEGREE TRACK COURSE OFFERINGS:
 

  • Basic Automotive Electricity & Basic Automotive Electricity Lab (5 credits)
  • Brakes Systems and Lab (5 credits)
  • Suspension and Steering and Lab (5 credits)
  • Electrical Systems and Electrical Systems Lab (5 credits)
  • Engine Repair and Lab (5 credits)
  • Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems and Lab (5 credits)
  • Climate Control and Lab (5 credits)
  • Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis (5 credits)
  • Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (5 credits)
  • Manual Transitions and Lab (5 credits)
  • Optional to complete online General Education requirements

*Diploma requires co-operative experience 

**Degree does not require co-operative experience however it does require more general education courses

Below are examples of weekly schedules for participants:

Recommended 8 week schedules:

16 week schedules:

Program Benefits

Metropolitan College Benefits

  • 100% JCTC Tuition deferred
  • UPS hourly pay rate.
  • Employees, along with their spouses and dependents, receive health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance coverage after 9 months of employment. Employees also receive paid vacation and holidays after 1 year of employment.
  • Semester Bonuses of up to $500 (after taxes) with successful completion of 6 or more credit hours with a grade C or better.
  • Graduation Bonus of up to $400 (after taxes) upon completion of associate degree.
  • Customized career coaching assistance to assist with interviewing skills and clarification of career goals

Automotive Dealership Benefits

  • Dealerships will set hourly pay rate.
  • Work with JCTC faculty and MC staff to schedule an automotive work experience during your time in the program.
  • Access to free online manufacturer specific training and certifications.
  • Upon completion of program, student will be level 1 certified and have the opportunity to continue training to be level 3 certified with an earning potential of $100,000.
  • Dealerships will work with program participants to arrange for time off occasionally on the weekends to participants can spend time with family.
  • Tools provided. Tool Purchasing programs available as you progress in the program (to be determined by dealerships of choice). 

Benefits to participation in the Automotive Technician Career Pathway

  • Students gain a clear pathway from education to career, with guidance on the skills and certifications needed to succeed in the automotive industry.
  • Integration of classroom learning with real-world applications and industry standards ensures students are well-prepared for the workforce.
  • Building industry connections through networking and mentorship with local automotive businesses.
  • Students are better positioned for long-term success and upward mobility in the automotive industry.

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Learn about the Automotive Technician Pathway

  • Learn about the Automotive Technician Career Pathway by watching this career video. 
  • You may also contact George Scott, MC Student Success Counselor with questions about the program.

Step 2: Submit a Metro College Automotive Technician Interest Form

  • Submit your interest form as soon as possible.
  • Applicants will receive dealership information to set up interviews.
  • Applicants will interview with dealerships.
  • The Automotive Technician Career Pathway is a great transitional program for students looking to work in the automotive industry. To successfully enroll in this program, we encourage students to complete all steps to get started by DECEMBER 1ST for the Spring Semester and AUGUST 1ST for the Fall semester. While these dates are not firm, we strongly encourage students be hired and enrolled by these dates to ensure a successful start.

Step 3: Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) and file a FAFSA

  • Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College: jefferson.kctcs.edu/admissions
  • File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov with JCTC's school code: 006961
  • After you have received your acceptance notice from JCTC, reach out to JCTC Automotive Technician Program Coordinator Stephen Frame (stephen.frame@kctcs.edu) to help you get registered for courses in this program.

Step 4:Apply and Get Hired by UPS

  • Go to UPSJobsKY.com and click on Apply Now.
  • Apply 30-45 days prior to desired start date.
  • Applicants interested in this pathway need to work 1DA Hub positions.

Step 5: Accept employment at UPS and dealership of choice.

Step 6: Complete all steps listed above and schedule your JCTC classes.

Then you are ready to...

  • Begin employment at UPS.
  • Complete coursework in the JCTC Automotive Technician program.
  • Begin work at the partner dealership.

Program Eligibility

  • Students pursuing a diploma or certificate need a 16 ACT or higher.
  • Students pursuing an Associate of Science need to meet regular JCTC admission criteria of 16 ACT or higher
  • Students must meet UPS hiring requirements
  • Students must meet dealership hiring requirements. These requirements vary by dealership.

Participating Dealerships

Please contact George Scott for current dealership listing. 

Contact

To learn more about this program, contact George Scott, MC Student Success Counselor. 

If you are an Automotive Dealership interested in participating in this partnership, please contact George Scott.